The global scientific community is celebrating a monumental breakthrough in oncology research, and at KCA University, the victory hit close to home.
Professor George Njoroge, a renowned pioneer in pharmaceutical chemistry and an esteemed KCA University Honorary Alumnus, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Greater Manchester Cancer Award. Alongside the honor, Prof. Njoroge and his co-investigator, the UK’s Prof. Robert Bristow, secured a Sh446 Million (£2.6 Million) Global Health Grant from the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to revolutionize early detection, screening, and treatment of Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) in Kenya.
Oesophageal cancer remains a severe public health challenge in Kenya, often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. The Sh446 Million grant will directly fund a groundbreaking “hub-and-spoke” mobile endoscopy healthcare model across five Kenyan counties: Meru, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Kiambu. By training over 900 local healthcare workers and equipping mobile clinics, Prof. Njoroge’s project aims to bring life-saving, early analysis directly to vulnerable populations.
For a scientist who already holds the historic title of the first African to secure over 100 U.S. patents, including leading the discovery of the blockbuster Hepatitis C drug Victrelis, this award cements his legacy as a global “Hero of Chemistry.”
While the international community is rightly applauding this 2026 achievement, KCA University’s relationship with Prof. Njoroge is rooted in a shared commitment to academic and research excellence that spans years.
Prof. Njoroge has selflessly poured his intellectual wealth into the growth of KCA University when he served in the University Council between 2020 and 2023. During this period, his visionary perspective as a global innovator helped shape the policy frameworks and strategic pathways that drive KCAU today. In November 2021, the KCA University Senate recognized Prof. Njoroge’s transformative impact on global science by conferring him with a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), making him one of our most distinguished honorary alumni.
KCA University extends profound congratulations to Prof. Njoroge as he rolls out this life-saving cancer analysis project across our nation.
